Puzzle



(No Model.)

0. A. MEADOWS. PUZZLE.

' Np.511,904. PatentdJan.2,1894.

UNITED STATES FFIC PATEN PUZZLE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 511,904, dated January2,1894.

Application filed January 25, 1893. Serial Nn l59,747. (No model.)

To all whOm it may concern.-

Be it known that I, CHARLES AUGUSTUS MEADOWS, of Yonkers, county ofW'estchester, and State of New York, have invented a certain new anduseful Toy or Puzzle, of which the following is a specification,reference being had to the accompanying drawings.

The object of my invention is to produce a toy or puzzle which I proposeto name the Columbus egg.

The puzzle consists in a hollow egg-shaped object containing certaindevices for rendering it capable or incapable of sitting upon its end,according to the position of the parts.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a central verticallongitudinal section of my puzzle; and Fig. 2 a horizontal section,showing the lower end thereof.

Referring to the figures on the drawings, 1 indicates the shell of mypuzzle, preferably, for facility of manufacture, made in two sections,as illustrated, which being united together form a good representationof an egg. In the larger end of the shell I provide a central somewhatsemi-spherical depression 2, and an annular groove 3. The annulus ispreferably of the same width as the diameter of the depression 2. Anannular ridge divides the groove from the central depression and definestheir shapes.

5 indicates a spherical body of nearly the same diameter as thesemispherical recess 2, and which is adapted to fit snugly therein, orinto the groove 3.

An ordinary marble, for

example, may be employed for this purpose. By reason of the form of theshell themarble may move freely around inside of the puzzle, but whenthe egg is turned with its broad side down the marble will rest, eitherin the groove, or in the semi-spherical recess. When it rests in theformer it will prevent the shell from assuming the upright position; butwhen in the latter it will compel it to assume that position. The shellbeing made of opaque material there is considerable difficulty inputting the marbleinto the semi-spherical recess and into the grooverespectively when desired.

The puzzle consists in having one unacquainted with it attempt to causeit to assume either desired position. It is found in practice that thegroove tends more readily to receive the marble; and that if a slightrotary motion is given to the egg that the marble will continue toremain in the groove, even when urged toward the central depression.

What I claim is- The combination with a hollow oval object, of asemi-spherical central recess, and a semicylindrical annular recess inthe same horizontal plane in one end thereof and a movable body,substantially as specified.

In testimony of all which I have hereunto subscribed my name.

CHARLES AUGUSTUS MEADOWS.

Witnesses:

PATRICK WHELAN, HENRY J. RITCHIE.

